Workers at Yonkers First Live Poultry are in a rush to sell off their remaining inventory of live chickens due to the escalating avian flu situation across New York state.

Earlier today, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that she has ordered the temporary shutdown of all live bird markets in New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties after finding seven cases of bird flu in NYC poultry markets.

"Each unaffected market must sell down all inventory, undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection. And then remain closed for at least 5 days," said Hochul during a news briefing.

The owner, who preferred anonymity and requested no internal filming, anticipates that the remaining stock will be sold today, provided everything goes smoothly.

Following the sales, the plan is to thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises, with a temporary closure scheduled until Feb. 15, in compliance with health orders.

Upon reopening, all live markets will undergo inspections to ensure they meet health and safety standards.

This urgency comes in the wake of avian influenza outbreaks, with recent incidents including the discovery of 10-12 dead geese in a Thornwood park and another group of birds found dead in Spring Valley.

The public is advised not to approach dead birds if found and to report such sightings immediately to the Westchester County Health Department.